Teenage pregnancies

According to the National Statistics Office, 32 babies were born to girls aged 16 and under in Malta in 2011. In 2004, 187 babies were born to mothers aged 16 to 19. There are a number of factors that increase the chances of teenage pregnancy, such as being raised by a single parent or have less supervision by parents/guardians, having older siblings who are sexually active, living in poor financially and/or emotionally living conditions. Teenage parents are also more likely to have been sexually abused thus in unprotected sex.

Teenage mothers are more likely to suffer physical, mental and social consequences. For example, teenage mothers are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety as having a baby may be an overwhelming experience for them. Their baby is also more likely to have health complications, such as low birth weight, and there is also a higher infant mortality rate. Children of teenage mothers are themselves more likely to become teenage parents. Teenage mothers are more likely to end their studies earlier, have no qualifications and depend on social benefits rather than be part of the workforce.

Servizz Għożża is a service for teenage parents and their families.

Servizz Għożża is part of the Directorate of Student Services that offers support to teenage parents, focussing on self-development, health issues, education on pregnancy, relationship issues, social issues as well as information on the various professionals that can help during pregnancy. Family therapy and counselling are offered, as well as continued educational support so that the parents may pursue their studies. Expectant parents can be referred to Għożża.